Research

Unlock Mount Gretna’s Past

Mount Gretna Area Historical Society cares for over 4,000 objects ranging from turn of the century postcards to property information. It is our goal to make most of these materials available to the public for research purposes. By doing so, we hope to spark public interest in Mount Gretna’s unique heritage.

Visiting the Jack Bitner Library & Research Center

The Jack Bitner Library & Research Center at Mount Gretna Area Historical Society is an excellent destination for studying materials in our collections. Some of our collections include the Jack Bitner Collection, the Pennsylvania National Guard Collection, or Mount Gretna’s Historic Cottages Collection.

HOURS: The Jack Bitner Library & Research Center is open Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-1:30pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. We are also open by appointment. We encourage patrons to call ahead of time.

NOTE: Entrance to the Jack Bitner Library & Research Center is to the back-left, down the staircase.

Policies and Procedures

Upon arrival to Mount Gretna Area Historical Society, patrons who wish to conduct research are asked to deposit all bags and outerwear in provided storage space before entering the library. Patrons are permitted to bring their laptop, pencils, files, books, etc. into the library. Patrons may also wish to familiarize themselves with the research request form and reproduction request form. All reproductions (hardcopy or digital) require payment.

Donation Process

For inquiries or appointments to donate historic materials, please contact our staff at info@mtgretnahistory.org. All donations will be reviewed by our Accession Committee for consideration to be accepted at the museum. A Deed Of Gift will be completed for all donations by the giver at the time of drop off. The review process can take up to two months.

The Mount Gretna Area Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, IRS EIN #20-1365874. The Society is registered as a charitable organization with the State of Pennsylvania, Certificate #31649. A copy of the 2006 registration filing including financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.